Alter Bianchi CD-129 to open bottom?

[Naphtali]

Bianchi CD series break-front cross-draw holsters have closed bottoms. I titled this query with CD-129 because it may meet my need. I have a revolver whose barrel is about .500-inch too long to fit my CD-129 - that is, it fits but is clearly not fully secured vertically within holster. Although the CD-130 meets my need, I cannot find the scarce CD-130 in an ultra-scarce left-handed version.

I can take my closed bottom holster to a saddle maker to have the closed bottom opened. As far as I can determine, opening the bottom will not harm the holster's spring action so long as flat spring set is stitched "closed" at each tip. Soaking the bottom inch of the holster in warm water, then thrusting the revolver into its correct position should have small amount of barrel peaking beneath the open bottom. I can then reseal the leather. Since bottom is open, most of that .500 inch of barrel should be cover by released "bottom" leather? This procedure is worth trying if the CD-129's flat spring set remains secure in its OEM position.

What do you think?

[rednichols]

As its creator, I can tell you how to do that: have your leathersmith rivet the holster shut below the spring; it needs support. Then by all means cut the rest of the stitching away and allow your pistol's barrel to stick out. But be aware that you'll then need to lift as you draw against the spring or the barrel will jam into the opening :-).

[Naphtali]

Red:

I have completed first reading of holster books you recommended - Packing Iron, and Blue Steel and Gunleather. While Packing Iron is more fun, I found Bianchi's book to be more useful. . . . And it has your photograph.

I appreciate Bianchi's CD-1xx series holsters. I have the holsters for every revolver I own, thankfully all that I wanted to own.

And you've shown me how to "find" the unfindable left-handed CD-130 by adjusting the CD-129.
***
I have no justification for western-styled single action revolver holster rigs, but I have hope that I'll create some.

[rednichols]

Originally Posted by Naphtali

Red:

I have completed first reading of holster books you recommended - Packing Iron, and Blue Steel and Gunleather. While Packing Iron is more fun, I found Bianchi's book to be more useful. . . . And it has your photograph.

I'm the two-page, full-colour, centre-fold for his latest book, An American Legend. Let's hope that no Freudians try to make that into something it's not :-).